News

Edgar Lansbury, the Tony-winning producer and younger brother of famed actress Angela Lansbury who guided the Broadway and big-screen versions of The Subject Was Roses and Godspell, has died. He was 94.

He died Thursday at his home in Manhattan, his son David Lansbury told The Hollywood Reporter.

Lansbury also produced the popular 1974-75 Broadway revival of Gypsy that starred his sister in a Tony-winning turn and worked on other films including The Wild Party (1975), directed by James Ivory.

Angela Lansbury, winner of five Tony Awards and star of Murder, She Wrote, died on Oct. 11, 2022, at age 96. His twin brother, TV producer Bruce Lansbury, died in February 2017 at age 87.

Lansbury’s first Broadway production, the intense family drama The Subject Was Roses, opened in 1964, ran for two years, and won a Pulitzer Prize and the Tony for best play. Written by Frank Gilroy and directed by Ulu Grosbard, it starred Martin Sheen...

Twice a month Joe Lipsett will dissect a new Amityville film to explore how the “franchise” has evolved in increasingly ludicrous directions.

At this point, the Amityville “universe” of films is something of a running joke in horror circles. It is borderline ridiculous that there’s so many entries (for those who are curious: 2022 has seen the release of no less than 10 new films!). As Paste editor Jacob Oller explains in his piece “Why Are There So Many Absurd Amityville Horror Movies?”, there appear to be two main reasons why there are so many movies with Amityville in the title.

After the Lutzs lost their suit against The Possession and 3-D producer Dino De Laurentiis, Amityville titles became open season so long as they didn’t skew too closely to the real-life story. As Oller explains: “The nuttier the twist, the less worried anyone has to be about getting sued.

1951: Love of Life premiered on CBS.

1979: As the World Turns' Doug and Annie declared their love.

1981: General Hospital's Alan proposed to Susan.

1986: Another World's Mitch met his son, Matthew."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1951: Daytime soap opera Love of Life, created by Roy Winsor, premiered on CBS, three weeks after Search for Tomorrow debuted on the network. Both shows started as 15-minute serials but Love of Life would expand to 30 minutes in 1958, and remain a half hour until its final episode on February...

1960: Grace was still bitter on The Secret Storm. 1989: Josie

moved in with the Matthews family on Another World.

1994: Erica was in a neckbrace on All My Children.

2010: Oakdale said goodbye to Nancy Hughes on Atwt."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1948: Radio soap opera The Guiding Light, still almost four years away from making its way to television, introduced the character of Friedrich "Papa" Bauer. Theodore von Eltz originated the role and was replaced by Theo Goetz a year later. Goetz would remain with...

1973: The Doctors' Penny kissed Mike.

1984: Guiding Light's Alex and Beth were held hostage by Darcy.

1994: All My Children's Kendall crashed Mona's funeral.

1994: One Life to Live's Todd met Blair."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1939: On radio soap opera Adopted Daughter, Jack and Uncle Charlie told Jonathan that he couldn't open the new swimming pool he's been advertising without their consent.

1966: On Dark Shadows, to protect David, Elizabeth (Joan Bennett) lied to Constable Jonas Carter (Michael Currie ) when she told him they...

1981: Gh's Robert tried to steal the formula from Victor.

1984: Eileen Fulton returned to As the World Turns as Lisa.

1992: Atwt's Margo was raped.

2007: Passions' Sheridan decided to electrocute Theresa."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1922: Schenectady, New York radio station Wgy aired a staged dramatic play for the first time. This tryout was a hit which led to weekly studio broadcasts of full-length stage plays.

1971: On The Guiding Light, Ken tried to intervene in an argument between his mother, Barbara (Barbara Berjer), and 18-year-old sister,...

1984: As part of an effort to counter-program ABC's Olympic coverage, As the World Turns featured guest stars Phyllis Diller, Whitney Houston and Jermaine Jackson."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1967: On Another World, Ada (Constance Ford) pleaded with Rachel (Robin Strasser) to understand that her salary at Pierre's was all they had, but Rachel threatened to leave the hospital despite the health risk if she lost her pricey private room. Rachel railed at Ada for lying to her that her father was dead. "Everybody lies when they have to,...

1986: A gang member terrorized Another World's Victoria.

1986: Guiding Light's Alan revealed himself to be alive.

1986: As the World Turns' Chris Hughes passed away.

1997: Days of our Lives' Kristen brought Roman to Marlena."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1934: Actress Darlene Conley was born. Best known for her many years as Sally Sprectra on The Bold and the Beautiful, she also played evil Rose DeVille on The Young and the Restless in the late '70s (running a prostitution and baby selling business in...

1979: Guiding Light's Diane uncovered revealing information.

1981: Another World's Mac didn't care about Sandy's past.

1987: Diana Colville (Genie Francis) arrived on Days of our Lives.

1992: All My Children's Janet found a Lamaze coach."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1939: On radio soap opera Backstage Wife, Mary (Vivian Fridell) received a call from a gossip columnist who questioned her about her separation from Larry. Katharine Monroe criticized Peter Dillon for being interested in Sandra Page, and Dillon exited enraged. Mary and Larry discussed their separation.

1968: Dark Shadows' Bathia went up in flames.

1985: Australian soap opera Neighbours premiered.

1988: General Hospital's Duke was involved in a shootout.

2004: All My Children's Bianca went into labor."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1968: On Dark Shadows, Bathia Mapes (Anita Bolster) tried to drive Angeligue out but announced she had failed and feared for her life. She said she felt herself on fire then flames sprung up around her.

1977: On Another World, Liz Matthews (Irene Dailey) was upset when Alice (Susan Harney...

1984: Days of our Lives' Stefano was fooled by Roman's latest plan.

1984: General Hospital's Mike was upset about Lesley's death.

1992: Days' (new) Bo Brady unmasked himself to Carly.

2008: As the World Turns' Carly shot and killed Kit."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1967: CBS aired the first color broadcast of The Guiding Light. The show still ran for 15 minutes a day at that time.

1972: Australian soap Number 96 premiered. The show had a successful run, including spawning a feature film, and aired its...

1975: Another World expanded to an hour full-time.

1983: Felicia Gallant arrived in Another World's Bay City.

1986: General Hospital's Monica was at odds with Alan.

1997: Aaron Spelling's Sunset Beach premiered on NBC."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1966: On Peyton Place, Rodney Harrington (Ryan O'Neal) visited Allison Mackenzie (Mia Farrow) at Doctors Hospital. She had told Rodney she loved him on the day of his arraignment but she no longer remembered her feelings for him. The episode was written by Sonya Roberts and Rita Lakin.

1988: Gh's Julian shared a hotel room with college sweetheart

Cheryl. 1999: Shawn & Belle met on Days. 2002: Oltl's

Natalie & Jessica found out they were both Viki's daughters.

2002: Gl's Alexandra held an Ex-Wives Club board meeting."The best prophet of the future is the past."

― Lord Byron

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1968: On The Doctors, Dr. Maggie Powers (Lydia Bruce) made up an excuse get Dr. Althea Davis (Elizabeth Hubbard) over to her place on Friday night for a surprise bridal shower.

1972: On The Doctors, Dr. Althea Davis explained to Dr. Matt Powers that Dr. Nick Bellini kicked her out when she showed up...

1951: Love of Life premiered on CBS.

1979: As the World Turns' Doug and Annie declared their love.

1981: General Hospital's Alan proposed to Susan.

1986: Another World's Mitch met his son, Matthew."The best prophet of the future is the past."

― Lord Byron

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1951: Daytime soap opera Love of Life, created by Roy Winsor, premiered on CBS, three weeks after Search for Tomorrow debuted on the network. Both shows started as 15-minute serials but Love of Life would expand to 30 minutes in 1958, and remain a half hour until its final episode on February 1, 1980. None of the original actors stayed from beginning to end but director Larry Auerbach did.

1960: Grace was still bitter on The Secret Storm. 1989: Josie

moved in with the Matthews family on Another World.

1994: Erica was in a neckbrace on All My Children.

2010: Oakdale said goodbye to Nancy Hughes on Atwt."The best prophet of the future is the past."

― Lord Byron

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1948: Radio soap opera The Guiding Light, still almost four years away from making its way to television, introduced the character of Friedrich "Papa" Bauer. Theodore von Eltz originated the role and was replaced by Theo Goetz a year later. Goetz would remain with the show until his death in 1972.

1960: On The Secret Storm,...

1973: The Doctors' Penny kissed Mike.

1984: Guiding Light's Alex and Beth were held hostage by Darcy.

1994: All My Children's Kendall crashed Mona's funeral.

1994: One Life to Live's Todd met Blair."The best prophet of the future is the past."

― Lord Byron

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1939: On radio soap opera Adopted Daughter, Jack and Uncle Charlie told Jonathan that he couldn't open the new swimming pool he's been advertising without their consent.

1966: On Dark Shadows, to protect David, Elizabeth (Joan Bennett) lied to Constable Jonas Carter (Michael Currie ) when she told him they had discovered the bleeder valve fell off by itself.

1973: On The Doctors,...

1981: Gh's Robert tried to steal the formula from Victor.

1984: Eileen Fulton returned to As the World Turns as Lisa.

1992: Atwt's Margo was raped.

2007: Passions' Sheridan decided to electrocute Theresa."The best prophet of the future is the past."

― Lord Byron

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1922: Schenectady, New York radio station Wgy aired a staged dramatic play for the first time. This tryout was a hit which led to weekly studio broadcasts of full-length stage plays.

1971: On The Guiding Light, Ken tried to intervene in an argument between his mother, Barbara (Barbara Berjer), and 18-year-old sister, Holly (Lynn Deerfield).

1978: On Another World,...

1984: As part of an effort to counter-program ABC's

Olympic coverage, As the World Turns featured guest stars

Phyllis Diller, Whitney Houston and Jermaine Jackson."The best prophet of the future is the past."

― Lord Byron

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1967: On Another World, Ada (Constance Ford) pleaded with Rachel (Robin Strasser) to understand that her salary at Pierre's was all they had, but Rachel threatened to leave the hospital despite the health risk if she lost her pricey private room. Rachel railed at Ada for lying to her that her father was dead. "Everybody lies when they have to," Rachel said. "I know I do."

1968: On Dark Shadows,...

1986: A gang member terrorized Another World's Victoria.

1986: Guiding Light's Alan revealed himself to be alive.

1986: As the World Turns' Chris Hughes passed away.

1997: Days of our Lives' Kristen brought Roman to Marlena."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."

― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1934: Actress Darlene Conley was born. Best known for her many years as Sally Sprectra on The Bold and the Beautiful, she also played evil Rose...

1933: One Man's Family expanded to a national audience.

1979: Delia loaned Johnny money on Ryan's Hope. 1988: Atwt's

Hal and Barbara celebrated on the night before their wedding.

1994: Gh's Felicia learned Maxie would get B.J.'s heart."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."

― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1933: Radio soap opera One Man's Family expanded from being broadcast on the west coast only to the full nationwide NBC network.

1979: Guiding Light's Diane uncovered revealing information.

1981: Another World's Mac didn't care about Sandy's past.

1987: Diana Colville (Genie Francis) arrived on Days of our Lives.

1992: All My Children's Janet found a Lamaze coach."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."

― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1939: On radio soap opera Backstage Wife, Mary (Vivian Fridell) received a call from a gossip columnist who questioned her about her separation from Larry. Katharine...

1968: Dark Shadows' Bathia went up in flames.

1985: Australian soap opera Neighbours premiered.

1988: General Hospital's Duke was involved in a shootout.

2004: All My Children's Bianca went into labor."Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."

― Machiavelli

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1968: On Dark Shadows, Bathia Mapes (Anita Bolster) tried to drive Angeligue out but announced she had failed and feared for her life.

1984: Days of our Lives' Stefano was fooled by Roman's latest plan.

1984: General Hospital's Mike was upset about Lesley's death.

1992: Days' (new) Bo Brady unmasked himself to Carly.

2008: As the World Turns' Carly shot and killed Kit."Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."

― Machiavelli

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1967: CBS aired the first color broadcast of The Guiding Light.

1975: Another World expanded to an hour full-time.

1983: Felicia Gallant arrived in Another World's Bay City.

1986: General Hospital's Monica was at odds with Alan.

1997: Aaron Spelling's Sunset Beach premiered on NBC."History is a vast early warning system."

― Norman Cousins

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1966: On Peyton Place, Rodney Harrington (Ryan O'Neal) visited Allison Mackenzie (Mia Farrow) at Doctors Hospital. She had told Rodney she loved him on the day of his arraignment but she no longer remembered her feelings for him. The episode was written by Sonya Roberts and Rita Lakin. Lakin went on to become head writer of daytime soap opera The Doctors.

On this date in...

1979: Ryan's Hope (Drama Series, Writing and Directing), Irene Dailey, Al Freeman, Jr., Suzanne Rogers and Peter Hansen all took home awards at the 6th Annual Daytime Emmys.

1985: A "Royal Wedding" took place on the season finale of Dynasty. This is commonly referred to as the "Moldavian Massacre" episode.

1998: At the 25th Daytime Emmys, Susan Lucci lost for the 18th consecutive time (she would finally win in 1999). Winners were All My Children (Drama Series, Writing), Cynthia Watros, Eric Braeden, Julia Barr, Steve Burton, Sarah Brown and Jonathan Jackson.

Celebrating a birthday today are:

Kristen Vigard (ex-Morgan, Guiding Light; ex-Joy, One Life To Live) - 48

David Charvet (ex-Craig, Melrose Place) - 39...

American actress Irene Dailey has died. She was 88.

Dailey, best known for her work on Broadway and daytime television, passed away on 24 September after a battle with colon cancer.

Among the actress' most memorable roles were as matriarch Nettie Cleary in the 1964 Tony Award-winning drama The Subject Was Roses and as Liz Matthews in 1974's U.S. TV series Another World. That role won her the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Actress in 1979.

In 1960, Dailey took to the London stage, winning over audiences and drawing rave reviews from critics for her lead role in Tomorrow - With Pictures.

Her film credits include 1968's No Way to Treat a Lady and 1970s films Five Easy Pieces, The Grissom Gang and The Amityville Horror. She also enjoyed screen time in 1960s U.S. TV series The Twilight Zone and crime-mystery soap opera The Edge of Night.

Dailey's award-winning experience parlayed into her role as acting teacher at the Herbert Berghof Studio in New York, prompting the actress to later open her own school, the School of the Actors Company.